“In the last 16 years, we have lost almost half of our observers,” said Mark Ewens, senior hydrometeorologist technician for the Grand Forks-based weather service. “We have an aging observer network. We’re losing people.” (Bemidji Pioneer)

Lawmaker threatens lawsuit to stop Gov. Dayton on daycare union vote

State Senator Mike Parry says he thinks Governor Mark Dayton has over stepped his bounds on home daycare union issue (KSTP).

Officials urge ‘caution’ during deadly hunting season

So far this year, four people have died in hunting-related accidents in Minnesota. That compares to two deaths and 29 incidents overall last year, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (KARE11).

Partisans to submit redistricting proposals this week

By the end of this week, Minnesota’s political parties must show what they want the state’s congressional and districts to look like (WCCO).

American hikers held In Iran thank supporters in Minn.

Three Americans once jailed in Iran say they’re feeling thankful and relieved (WCCO).

Bachmann cries ‘bias’ after Saturday debate

Michele Bachmann accused CBS News of ‘media bias’ Saturday night after her campaign was included on an email chain that suggested she would get fewer questions than other candidates in a debate co-sponsored by the network and National Journal (CNN).

Bachmann on Penn State’s Sandusky: I’d ‘Beat Him To A Pulp’

“I think my automatic reaction would be, even though I’m a small woman, I’d want to go find that guy and beat him to a pulp,” Bachmann said on NBC’s “Meet The Press” Sunday (HuffPo).

Efforts to recall Wis. Gov. Walker move forward

“Yes it’s rare, yes it’s unprecedented, but yes, it’s necessary,” Jeff Johnson said.Never before in the state’s history has a governor been recalled. But that’s exactly what Johnson, who’s the chair of the Democratic Party of Marathon County, is working toward (WSAW).

Allies have doubts about protesters in Wisconsin

As Wisconsin braces for a new chapter in its political war — a major recall effort against Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, will begin statewide on Tuesday — some leaders here, even Democrats, have come to wonder whether the lingering protesters at the Capitol are still helping the efforts or harming them (New York Times).

Hispanics breathe new life into rural America

“The face of small towns is changing dramatically as a result,” said Robert Wuthnow, a Kansas-born Princeton professor who studied the Hispanic influx for his book “Remaking the Heartland: Middle America since the 1950s.” “The question is: Is this going to save these small towns?” (New York Times)

Parks panel OKs zebra mussel plan

If plan is enacted, all boats on Minnewashta will be checked (Star Tribune).